After much speculation JJ Abrams has been confirmed as the director of the latest Star Wars film, with the American film maker described as ‘the perfect director’ to take the helm of the sci-fi franchise.

This week Abrams was reported to have signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII, despite previously ruling out becoming involved with the new film.

But Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, who is set to produce the forthcoming flick, has now confirmed that the Star Trek director is on board.

In an official statement, she said: ‘It’s very exciting to have JJ aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie. JJ is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise.

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‘He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.’

Star Wars is getting another installment, but George Lucas is taking a back seat (Picture: AP)

Abrams had previously ruled himself out of the running to direct, citing his commitment to the Star Trek franchise and his love of the original Star Wars films.

‘There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan, I wouldn’t even want to be involved in the next version of those things,’ he said.

‘I declined any involvement very early on. I’d rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them.’

Kennedy reportedly won him over with her pitch at his home earlier this month and will now work alongside him on the film, which is slated for release in 2015.